COVID-19: Health officials warn of 'significant' jump in coronavirus cases ahead of Christmas

A “significant” jump in COVID-19 hospitalisations and infections has health authorities urging caution as the festive season heats up.

The number of people hospitalised with the virus in Victoria increased by 59 per cent between October and November, the state’s latest COVID-19 surveillance report revealed.

Victoria’s seven-day hospitalisation average rose to 197 by November 26, representing a “significant increase” according to the health department.

The number of cases notified to the department has also increased in recent weeks, up 44 per cent in the past month.

Victorians have been urged to protect themselves and those around them in the lead up to summer, particularly those most vulnerable.

“It’s the simple things that can have a big impact: if you’re feeling sick, please stay home,” chief health officer Clare Looker said on Friday.

“If you need to go out, or you’re visiting a higher risk setting like an aged-care home or a hospital, it’s a good idea to wear a mask.”

She urged people to stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, as immunity to the virus wanes over time.

Dr Looker said JN.1 was the dominant variant in the community and there was no indication that the virus had become more severe.

COVID-19 infections have also increased in Western Australia after three months of relatively low and stable figures, according to WA Health Department data on hospitalisations and wastewater sampling.

NSW and Queensland have experienced slight increases to reported infections, but their overall numbers of COVID-19 cases remains low.

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care vaccination rates were down for all states and territories in the November reporting period.

It comes as a research survey, commissioned by vaccine manufacturer Pfizer Australia, revealed less than half of all Australians would test for COVID-19 if they were symptomatic.

The survey, which included responses from 1000 Australian adults, also found that one-in-five would likely still go out in public even if they tested positive.

Pfizer Australia medical director Krishan Thiru said there was usually an increase in COVID-19 cases during the festive season, which made it even more important for those at high-risk to take precautions.

Australia’s drug regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration, approved Pfizer’s newest vaccine in October.

The vaccine targets the Omicron sub-variant JN.1 and will be available for anyone aged six months or older from December 9.